Fry Twice to Make it Nice - Chicken Wings!

Fry Twice to Make it Nice - Chicken Wings! is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 960 calories per serving. Recipe by The Woks of Life on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 19 min | Total: 54 min

Cost: $6.89 total, $1.72 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 lb Chicken Wings (fresh, tips removed)
  • 2 cup Vegetable Oil (high smoke‑point oil for deep frying)
  • 1 cup All‑Purpose Flour (for light coating, sifted)
  • 1 tsp Salt (kosher or table salt)
  • ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (smoked or sweet, optional)

Instructions

  1. Dry the Wings

    Pat the chicken wings completely dry with paper towels; any surface moisture will steam rather than fry.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Season

    Season the wings evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss in a large bowl to coat.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Light Coat with Flour

    Place the flour in a shallow dish. Dredge each wing, shaking off excess flour; a thin dusting is enough.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Heat Oil to First Fry Temperature

    Fill the pot with vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium‑high until the thermometer reads 350°F.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350°F

  5. First Fry (Blanch)

    Working in small batches, fry the wings for 8 minutes, stirring gently, until they are just pale‑gold and the meat is cooked through.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 350°F

  6. Rest the Wings

    Remove the wings with tongs and place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Let them rest for 10 minutes; this lets juices redistribute and the skin dry slightly.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Raise Oil Temperature for Second Fry

    Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Allow the oil to reach the new temperature before returning the wings.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 375°F

  8. Second Fry (Crisp)

    Fry the rested wings again for 3 minutes, or until deep golden‑brown and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 375°F

  9. Final Seasoning and Serve

    While still hot, sprinkle a pinch of extra salt if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
960
Protein
48g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
72g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: contains gluten, contains soy (if using soy‑based oil), not vegetarian

Allergens: wheat

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Fry Twice to Make it Nice - Chicken Wings!

Recipe by The Woks of Life

A step‑by‑step guide to achieving ultra‑crispy, juicy chicken wings by double‑frying them with a short rest in between. The technique, popularized by The Woks of Life, ensures the meat stays tender while the skin becomes perfectly crunchy.

MediumAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
16m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
56m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.89
Total cost
$1.72
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Dry the wings thoroughly before coating
  • Maintain precise oil temperatures (350°F then 375°F)
  • Rest the wings for 10 minutes between the two fryings
  • Do not overcrowd the pot during either fry

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children away.
  • Never leave the pot unattended while oil is heating.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil beyond its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of double‑fried chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

Double‑frying originated in Southern United States barbecues and later became popular in sports‑bar culture as a way to achieve extra‑crisp wings without sacrificing juiciness. The technique spread nationwide and is now a staple for wing enthusiasts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of crispy fried chicken wings in American cuisine?

A

In the South, wings are often seasoned with cayenne and served with a vinegar‑based sauce. In Buffalo, they are tossed in a hot sauce butter glaze. The Woks of Life version focuses on a simple salt‑pepper seasoning to highlight the crisp texture.

cultural
Q

How is double‑fried chicken wings traditionally served in the United States?

A

They are typically served hot, straight from the fryer, with dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy buffalo sauce, and often accompanied by celery sticks and carrot sticks.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are crispy double‑fried chicken wings associated with in American culture?

A

Wings are a popular snack for Super Bowl parties, game nights, barbecues, and casual gatherings. Their finger‑food nature makes them ideal for sharing during sports events.

cultural
Q

What makes the double‑fry method special compared to a single fry for chicken wings?

A

The first fry cooks the meat through and releases moisture, while the rest period lets juices redistribute. The second, hotter fry quickly dehydrates the skin, creating a crunchy exterior without overcooking the interior.

technical
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making double‑fried chicken wings?

A

Common errors include not drying the wings, using oil that isn’t hot enough, overcrowding the pot, and skipping the rest period. Each mistake leads to soggy or unevenly cooked wings.

technical
Q

How do I know when the double‑fried chicken wings are done cooking?

A

The wings should be deep golden‑brown, feel crisp to the touch, and register an internal temperature of 165°F. A quick bite should reveal juicy meat inside with a crunchy skin.

technical
Q

Can I make the double‑fried chicken wings ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can fry them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5‑7 minutes to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Woks of Life specialize in?

A

The Woks of Life focuses on Chinese home cooking, sharing family recipes, technique tutorials, and cultural food stories, while also exploring fusion dishes like this double‑fried chicken wing recipe.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Woks of Life's approach to American‑style fried foods differ from other cooking channels?

A

The Woks of Life applies a meticulous technique‑first mindset, emphasizing temperature control and resting periods, which is less common on channels that favor quick, one‑step fry methods.

channel
Q

What other Chinese‑inspired recipes is the YouTube channel The Woks of Life known for?

A

The channel is renowned for recipes such as Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles, homemade dumplings, and traditional festive dishes like Mooncakes and Peking Duck.

channel

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